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03 Jan 18

Feeling grateful for 2017

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Having spent literally a week on the sofa, eating mostly chocolate, I’m now rising like a Phoenix from the flames, or cushions in my case. It was an exhausting run up to Christmas, mostly because we decided to smash our house to smithereens just three weeks before.

But now I’ve got the New Year itch. I spent the other day de-cluttering the office and even had a little wardrobe cull. But before I thrust into 2018 with gusto (?*!), I thought I’d take a little recap- or as our Cilla would say, ‘Here’s our Graham with a quick reminder’. I think it’s a really good idea to look back and give yourself a pat on the back for everything you have achieved, and also acknowledge the things that didn’t work out for you and let them go. While I find it really exciting to have a new year spread out in front of me like a fresh new canvas- it can feel overwhelming too. So I’m staying in my Christmas bubble just for one more day by looking over the past year in celebration. Here are my highlights!

Sophie Robinson

My new website was launched in January 2017 with this fab little photo shoot with Luca Sage.

 

JANUARY saw the launch of my new website and blog. My intention was to create a hub with all my stuff in one place. So it’s a place for design news, what I’m up to, interior inspiration as well as links to all my social media channels. I worked with the incredible Caz from Making Waves to create an identity that really visually communicated what I was about along with a new set of portraits taken by the amazing Luca Sage. This was a wonderful way to kick start the new year with intention!

Judging the final of The Great Interior Design Challenge with Kelly Hoppen, Daniel Hopwood and Tom Dyckhoff

 

FEBRUARY saw the final of The Great Interior Design Challenge and I was delighted to be invited back as a guest judge and reunited with my hommies the lovely Daniel Hopwood and Tom Dyckhoff. We were treated to exceptional talent and provocative design from Daniela Tasca York and Oliver Thomas. Before you ask sadly the BBC hasn’t commissioned a new series for 2018 so our TV sets are bereft of interior design programming once more.

I launched my unique colour workshop in Brighton for Interior design enthusiasts

MARCH saw the launch my unique Colour workshop. This was to a small group of interior design lovers with the aim to help them explore what colour palettes best suit them and their homes. I shared my own individual approach to colour, which is part getting tapped into your gut and intuition and part sharing my tried and tested colour scheming tips and theories. Next course is in February and there’s still chance to grab a spot here!

a canary yellow velvet sofa adds a pop of colour to an all great interior. The open plan living room kitchen is at the home of interior designer Sophie Robinson

My Mum finally moved into the annex that we built next door and tries out contemporary living for the first time

APRIL saw my Mum finally move into the annex! After six months in the planning and six months in construction- all documented on my YouTube channel– she finally gets to move into her shiny new home. It’s been a massive success having her next door and I have a lot to thank her for. Her love and support and not to mention her cooking!

Cover girl on the Mail on Sunday

March also saw me appear as cover girl for the Mail on Sunday talking about my favourite subject ever… Colour! Seeing myself full page was quite a surreal moment- definitely one to get framed for the downstairs loo!

Interior designers Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwwood, at RHS Chelsea Flower show 2017

With my TV hubby Daniel Hopwood smelling the roses at Chelsea Flower Show

MAY highlight was being invited to Chelsea Flower show with Daniel on the opening day. Such a riot of colour and creativity it feeds my soul every time! And you all loved my celeb spotting on Instagram Stories!

DIY SOS team Nick Knowles, interior designer Sophie Robinson and Jules

My DIY SOS debut with the rugged Nick Knowles

JUNE saw my TV debut on screen as the new interior designer for BBC ONES DIYSOS. This was the most incredible experience and a real honour to be part of. The episode which helped the inspirational Ratcliffe family has been nominated for a National TV award, so something we can all feel very proud of in every way. Its a real privilege making great TV while making a real difference to peoples lives.

Fiona Humberstone and I Launching our Colour Psychology course for Interior designers

Also this month saw the launch of my Colour Psychology course for Interior designers workshop with the enigmatic Fiona Humberstone. Launching any new course is exhausting but really rewarding and I loved working along side such a creative force. Check out our new date for June here.

Hosting our first camping weekend here at my house in the woods

In JULY we also hosted our own mini festival here at the house to bring all our friends and family together. It rained but in true Brit style we stuck it out! We hope this is something we can build on year on year so watch this space! Its a big part of why we moved from the city to the countryside.

Going triple denim and feral at Ewelese campsite with my besties. Definitely not an instagram worthy pic and surely that’s the whole point!

AUGUST is school holidays and my ultimate aim is to not to have to work throughout this month so I can dedicate myself fully to spending time with my son and enjoying the house. This year I didn’t quite manage it as I was preparing a huge design project. But my highlight has to be our  camping trip to the inspirational Ewlease farm in Cornwall. Bracing swims in the sea, turkish baths, morning yoga in a field every day and a little digital detox was just what the doctor ordered!

Interior designer Sophie Robinson with Pudsey bear for children in need DIY SOS

SEPTEMBER was the month I undertook my biggest project ever. I was blown away to be invited to design the Children in need special with DIYSOS. My biggest most ambitious project to date saw me design a community center with accommodation for kids in care. It was a particularly moving experience as my husband and I have been in the adoption process all year and know all too well the struggles these young kids face. Thanks so much for all your support for this cause with this epiosde raising an astonishing £500K for Children in Need.

interior designers sophie robinson and daniel hopwood hosting the amara interior blog awards

Hosting the prestigious Amara interior blog awards with Daniel Hopwood

OCTOBER saw me hosting the prestigious Amara Interior design blog awards with my sidekick Dan Hopwood. I love this event, hosted by the fabulous team at Amara, as it brings together everything I love about blogging and social media. It’s a celebration of an incredibly tight knit community of passionate people and acknowledges what they do best. Sharing great interior design!

My styling presentation on the Colour Psychology workshop

NOVEMBER I hosted my biggest and most highly attended course to date. We sold out our Colour Psychology for Interior Designers, held at the inspiring Papermill Studios in London, to a passionate crowd of interior designers and entrepreneurs. Highlight for many was my styling workshop where I share my ways to make a room scheme hang together. However highlight for me was the mouthwatering lunch supplied by Hampstead Kitchen.

Focus and thrive workshop hosted by Elizabeth Cairns and Fiona Humberstone

The inspirational Focus and Thrive event helped to kick start me into thinking about 2018

I also attend the Focus and Thrive workshop, hosted by brand stylist Fiona Humberstone and life coach Elizabeth Cairns. It was a fully immersive two day course with the sole purpose of focusing on myself and my business which was sheer heaven in itself. It allowed me to reflect on my values and therefore plan powerful future goals. Held at the fabulous Beaverbrook estate which was an interior design inspiration in itself! If you get the chance grab a spot on the next workshop here.

Finally and yet unexpectedly renovations start in our house in the woods. The kitchen is stripped just three weeks before Christmas

DECEMBER has been the most epic month yet. We unexpectedly discovered rising damp throughout our ground floor and decided to jump on it. So the house was stripped back to bare brick all with a few weeks of Christmas. Along with our builders we worked so hard to get the house back to some sort of sanity in time for Christmas. With a temporary kitchen and a working tap (Yay!) we even hosted 8 people on boxing day and had our besties over for a sleep over for new years eve. As I type the builders are back after the break and it all starts again! The dust and upheaval is exhausting but at the same time I feel so engergised to at last be banishing the magnolia walls and beige carpets.

The kitchen situation on Christmas eve. Unpacking all the kitchen equipment made me wish I’d never bought so much tupperware

So that neatly rounds up my 2017. Not to go without thanking all the amazing brands I’ve collaborated inspiring work with; Sofa.com, John Lewis, Marks and Spencers, Hillarys, Crown paints, Ikano bank, Anglican windows, Grand Designs Live, Essential Edinburgh, Royal Carribean.  It’s been a really cathartic experience writing this post. As well as celebrating the positive its also been about letting go of the negative. For me personally the big one is letting go of trying to have anymore birth children which has been immeasurably hard but acknowledging all you have to be grateful for always helps, and as you can tell my cup runneth over in that respect! I have so much to look forward to in 2018 so will continue to post with positivity and passion. The renovation of my home, some amazing work prospects are all going to create some great 2018 highlights. Thanks so much for being a part of my journey so far and spreading the colour love!

 

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Before and after! This room took me on a real jour Before and after! This room took me on a real journey.
At first, I thought I needed a calm, blank space to focus… so I painted it all white. I know - can you believe it?! I told myself it was for clarity and creativity, but the truth is, I hated it. I felt flat and totally uninspired.

So, I ripped up the rulebook and went back to what I know works for me: bold colour and big pattern. I painted the whole space in my favourite cobalt blue (Lazuli by @zoffanyfw) and installed the ‘In the Woods’ mural from my @Harlequinfw collection - and now it’s everything I wanted and more.

I feel creative, energised, and completely connected to the beautiful garden just outside the window. A daily reminder to trust your instincts, feel from your gut and be brave. 

#OfficeGoals #CreativeWorkspace #BoldInteriors #BeforeAndAfter #SophieRobinsonStyle 
#CobaltBlue #HarlequinWallpaper #ColourLovers #InteriorDesignUK #InTheWoodsMural 
#DesignForJoy #MoreIsMore
A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨ It was such A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨

It was such an honour to guest judge the Interior Design Masters final alongside the fabulous @michelleogundehin and wow, what a finale it was!

The setting? The magical village of Portmeirion.
The challenge? Transform a bland holiday cottage.
The winner? The brilliant @john_cooper_design and what a winning design it was! 

John’s scheme was a glorious celebration of colour and perfect  storytelling. I loved how  he used bold Mediterranean hues and motifs from room to room which cleverly held this maximalist vision together. It felt like being whisked away to a land far far away. And thereby perfectly capturing the spirit of Portmerion. Honestly, it felt magical to be there!

I’ve unpacked all Johns clever ideas and design takeaways over on the blog (link in bio) — but I’d LOVE to hear what you thought.

Was John your winner?
What design moment caught your eye?
Could you stay in a house like this?

Tell me in the comments 👇

#interiordesignmasters #maximalistinteriors #maximalistdecor #portmerion #colourlover #banthebeige
Longing for a life-changing escape? You’re not a Longing for a life-changing escape?
You’re not alone. Our next Discover Colour Retreat at @elfennmarrakech just sold out in just a few hours, snapped up by our incredible subscriber community who said yes to more colour, creativity, and the trip of a lifetime. 💫

If you missed out, don’t panic, we’re already planning more dates in this dream of a design destination. Think: bold design, deep connection, sun-drenched inspiration, and the kind of joy that lingers long after you get home.

Want to be first to hear?
Comment ‘ELFENN’ below and we’ll send the link with details + the option to add yourself to the VIP waitlist.

Because beautiful things come to those who wait…
and this one’s worth every second. 🌺

#elfennmarrakech #discovercolour #designretreat #marrakech #moroccanstyle #designinspo
Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically YOU?

For me it’s about bold joyful colour, striking pattern, and those magical touches that light you up every time you walk through the door. This isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about crafting a home that celebrates the uniqueness of who you are and how you want to feel. 

In my exclusive online course How to Create a Maximalist Interior, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step design process—so you can confidently design a space that’s full of heart, soul, and style.

🎉 25% OFF ends TONIGHT! 🎉
Comment MAYJOY below and I’ll send you the link.

And yes, you’ll get a personal tour of my own technicolour home, so you can see exactly how I bring it all together.

Let’s unlock your dream home. One room at a time. 💥
EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignm EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters ! 

Thankyou @john_cooper_design for a beautiful LIVE taking a deeper look into your amazing experience being on the this most loved show. We all loved watching you grow and develop as a designer and your collection with @johnlewis is an absolute triumph! Cannot wait to see what you do next 🙌
All the Finale feels ✨ What a joy was filming t All the Finale feels ✨
What a joy was filming this series of @interiordesignmasters with @michelleogundehin , @chattyman , not mention this year’s insanely talented finalists @john_cooper_design 💙 @ritamillat ❤️ There is a lot of love and positive energy that goes into making this show.

And it doesn’t end here…

TONIGHT at 7pm I’ll be going LIVE right here on Instagram with this year’s winner… SPOLER ALERT….

@john_cooper_design 
I cannot wait to chat all the behind-the-scenes design insights, and what it really takes to win Interior Design Masters. What a smashing journey John has been on. Wow his final design blew me away, it’s was soo well executed and his vision was perfectly in step with the flamboyant eccentricity of Portmerion. Top marks! 

Come join us and ask your questions during this exciting Live event or come back later and watch the replay! 👀

Missed the show? Catch  up with @bbcone  Interior Design Masters on @bbciplayer 

#InteriorDesignMasters #IDMFinal #DesignShow #BehindTheScenes #InteriorDesignUK
Beware of listening to the ‘experts’! I get i Beware of listening to the ‘experts’!
I get it though, designing a house is hard, especially if your taste leans towards the 
maximalist style. There is every chance you’ll feel overwhelmed or stressed about getting it wrong with the end result one hot mess. However here are some of those common ‘design rules’ that I absolutely disagree with! Would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and fully embrace creating a home that truly reflects you, my specially designed online course has everything you need to keep you falling into any more traps. I’ll guide you through uncovering your unique style, choosing colours with confidence, and mixing patterns like a pro, all while making it feel beautifully cohesive and creative. And the best bit? It’s 25% off until the end of May! That’s right, just a few days left to pick up a massive discount.

Just comment MAYJOY and I’ll pop the link over in your DMs.


#maximalisthome #colourfulhome #interiorinspo #designmyths #interiordesignadvice 
#patternclash #dopaminedecor #banthebeige #maximalistdecor #interiorstyle 
#colourmyhome
Ready to step into your best life? Start with the Ready to step into your best life? Start with the place that holds it all. Your home.

I’ve always believed that a joyful, soul-filled home isn’t just a reflection of who you are… it’s a catalyst for who you want to become. When you’re surrounded by colours that lift you, patterns that energise you, and decor that tells to your story, something magical happens.

You feel confident, calmer. More you.

And if you’re ready to design a home that feels like you, my brilliant online course is here to help.

I walk you through how to bring your personal style to life — from choosing colours and mixing patterns, to making it all beautifully hang together. And right now, it’s got a whopping 25% off — but only until the end of this week! 🏃‍♀️

Simply comment MAYJOY and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.

Because great design isn’t just about how it looks — it’s how it makes you feel.

And that feeling? It ripples out into every part of your life. 💛🌟

#FeelGoodDesign #JoyfulHomes #MaximalistInteriors #ColourConfidence #InteriorInspo #DesignWithSoul #SophieRobinsonInteriors
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